Surgery for sleep-disordered breathing in female patients.

This article focuses on the female patient with sleep-disordered breathing. Sleep-disordered breathing has historically been considered a disease seen primarily in men, but it has become increasingly recognized in women. Recent studies of the general population suggest that almost one third of all obstructive sleep apnea syndrome cases exist in women. A review of current information focusing on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the female patient is presented.